Cena recently returned to WWE programming after a lengthy hiatus that saw him host Saturday Night Live and serve as host for the Fox reality show American Grit.

It didn't take long for the leader of the Cenation to call out The Phenomenal One, as he challenged Styles to a WWE Championship match at the Rumble. Styles agreed, which led to a contract signing between them last week on SmackDown.

After plenty of back-and-forth trash talk between the rival Superstars, Corbin made his way to the ring and interrupted.

He announced his entry into the Royal Rumble and insisted he would face the winner of the match between Cena and Styles at WrestleMania for the title.

That distraction allowed Styles to take out Cena, and Corbin added insult to injury by belittling the 15-time world champion, according to WWE Universe on Twitter:

Although Corbin downplayed Cena and his accomplishments, there is no question Tuesday's match was huge for the former NXT star in terms of establishing him as a potential main event player on SmackDown.

Corbin has made strides in all areas as of late and was even involved in a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship against Styles and Dolph Ziggler, but it can be argued that Tuesday's contest was the biggest of his career thus far.

The match was also a significant one for Cena, though, as it marked his first televised bout since No Mercy in October.

While Cena has been at the top of the industry for more than a decade, it represented an opportunity for him to knock off some rust in preparation for Styles.

Cena vs. Corbin may also have been a sign of things to come, as Corbin is a heel on the rise who could potentially have an extended feud with Cena in his future.

His first foray into Cena's territory ended the same way it does for most, though, as he came out on the losing end.

Nevertheless, Corbin still appears to have a bright future ahead, while Cena may be closing in on his record-tying 16th world title reign.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).